Golden Melody

Chapter 176

Chapter 176

The morning sun glazed the gates of Wayne Academy with a soft gold sheen as a tall blonde girl walked through.

Her long hair shimmered with faint silver streaks under the light, and her gray-green eyes carried an almost unreal calm.

She wasn't wearing the school uniform-just a white long-sleeved blouse tucked into a pleated skirt, paired with a glittery silver bag slung over her shoulder.

A small name tag gleamed on her chest, written in bold, clean letters: MARIE.

She made her way toward the sophomore building.

The hallways buzzed with chatter as students stopped mid-conversation to stare.
Her beauty had that effect-stunning, cold, and oddly familiar.

When she stepped into Section 6, even the teacher paused mid-lecture.

"Oh!" the teacher said, surprised but quick to recover.
"You must be our new student."

The room fell completely silent.

The teacher smiled warmly and turned to the class.

"Everyone, please welcome Alixana Marie Duke from Blue City. She has been homeschooled most of her life and is joining us this semester. I trust you'll all make her feel at home."

A few murmurs and greetings echoed around.

Then, from the back row, Miexha waved energetically.
"Marie! Over here!"

Marie's lips curved slightly as she walked toward her cousin. She sat beside Miexha, her posture graceful and precise, too perfect, almost rehearsed.

"You're finally here," Miexha whispered, eyes bright.
"I can't believe we're classmates. I thought you were older than me!"

Marie tilted her head slightly, brows lifting in mock offense.

"Older?" she repeated.
"Seriously, Exy?"

Then a small smirk softened her expression.
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that."

Miexha stifled a laugh.

And as the class resumed, Marie's gaze lingered on the window, where sunlight poured in through the glass.

Wayne Academy.
A human school.

Her fingers lightly tapped against her desk—once, twice.

A new beginning.

Or something pretending to be one.

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Wayne Academy Cafeteria

The lunch crowd buzzed, but the moment Marie walked in beside Miexha, the chatter seemed to soften. Heads turned again, same as earlier morning.

Miexha led her through the crowd with excitement, waving at a familiar table near the window.

"Come on," she said, tugging her wrist lightly.
"They'll be surprised to see you."

At the table sat Zatariel Wov, arms crossed, pretending not to notice how Miexha lit up the moment she saw him.

"Riel!" Miexha greeted, cheerful as ever.

"Oh?" she said lightly.
"The meat pie boy."

Miexha froze.
Her face flushed instantly.
"Wha—Marie!"

Zatariel chuckled under his breath.
"You talk about me that much, huh?"

Before Miexha could protest, another voice joined in.